Sears store & auto center to close at Citadel Mall

West Ashley, S.C. (WCIV) — On Thursday, Sears announced it will close it's store and auto center in the Citadel Mall in West Ashley.

"The store will close to the public in early August 2018 and the auto center will close in early June," said Howard Riefs, a Sears Holdings spokesperson.

He called the decision, "difficult, but necessary."

"We have been strategically and aggressively evaluating our store space and productivity, and have accelerated the closing of unprofitable stores," Riefs said.

The store will begin its liquidation sale on May 18.

He did not state the number of store employees, but said eligible associates will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores.

"This is not an effort solely aimed at cost savings, but is part of a strategy we’ have been executing against as many of our larger stores are too big for our needs," Riefs states. "Having fewer stores – and the right format – will help us bring Sears Holdings to a size and place to meet the realities of the changing retail world."